At the ATD Conference, we noticed a common theme: many leaders and learning professionals were excited about innovation and AI, yet hesitant when it came to navigating emotions, vulnerability, and human connection in the workplace. That tension inspired this conversation on emotional ambivalence—the experience of feeling pulled in two directions at the same time.

In this episode, Lola and Polina explore why people often struggle to make decisions, speak up, take risks, or embrace change. Together, they unpack the fears that drive emotional ambivalence, including the fear of making the wrong choice, being judged, appearing incompetent, experiencing rejection, or exposing vulnerability.

You’ll learn:

• What emotional ambivalence is and why it shows up in leadership, teamwork, and everyday life
• How psychological safety and secure relationships influence confidence and decision-making
• Why vulnerability is often the pathway to growth rather than a sign of weakness
• How shame, fear, and disconnection keep people stuck
• Why suppressing difficult emotions also limits positive emotions, engagement, and connection
• A practical framework called VERSE for helping leaders and teams navigate emotional uncertainty with greater clarity and confidence

Whether you're a leader, manager, coach, HR professional, or simply someone facing a difficult decision, this episode offers a powerful perspective on how emotional safety helps people move from fear and hesitation to confidence, connection, and action.

Because sometimes the problem isn't that we don't know what to do—it’s that we don’t feel safe enough to do it.

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel

RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US

Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

After returning from the ATD Conference, one thing kept staying with us.

Yes, AI was everywhere. It was in sessions, at booths, and woven into conversations about the future of work. But what stood out most wasn't technology at all.

It was people.

In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld reconnects with Niamh Hannan and Aoife O'Brien to reflect on their experience after ATD and discuss what they discovered beneath the surface of all the AI conversations.

Together, they explore:

• Why attendees felt relieved to talk about emotions, relationships, and human connection
• The passion that drives L&D professionals to keep showing up and helping others grow
• Why workplace conflict often has less to do with the issue itself and more to do with emotional triggers
• How negative cycles quietly shape our teams and relationships
• Why connection doesn't happen automatically—it must be intentionally prioritized
• What organizations risk losing if technology replaces human touchpoints

If the future of work is changing, one important question remains:

How do we make sure we don't lose the relationships that help people thrive?

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, emotional safety, learning and development, and what truly stood out after ATD.

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Niamh Hannan

Aoife O'Brien

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel

RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US

Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

In this special live episode from the ATD Conference in Los Angeles, Dr. Lola Gershfeld welcomes returning guest Aoife O'Brien, author of Thriving Talent and host of the Happier at Work Podcast, for a thought-provoking conversation about one of the biggest questions leaders face today:

As AI becomes more integrated into the workplace, what happens to the human connections that help people feel safe, valued, and able to thrive?

Drawing from her U.S. book tour and conversations with leaders across organizations, Aoife shares insights on what organizations may gain through technology—and what they risk losing if human relationships are replaced by efficiency alone.

Together, Lola and Aoife explore:

• Why AI can support our work but cannot replace human connection
• The small moments and "bids for connection" that strengthen workplace relationships
• Why people may feel increasingly disconnected and lonely at work
• The difference between psychological safety and emotional safety
• Why feedback can feel threatening when relationships feel insecure
• How fixed and growth mindsets influence our ability to learn and change
• Why people and teams do not have to stay stuck

This conversation reminds us that thriving at work is about more than performance, productivity, and technology. People grow, learn, and do their best work when they feel emotionally safe, supported, and connected.

Because thriving talent isn't created by AI alone—it is created through human relationships.

Connect with Aoife O'Brien:
• Aoife O'Brien on LinkedIn
• Thriving Talent
• Happier at Work Podcast

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel

RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US

Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...